Presidential Directive/NSC-37, "National Space
Policy," May 11, 1978.

[Editorial headnote: This directive resulted from a comprehensive
review of U.S. space policy and programs undertaken during the
early months of the Carter administration. It dealt primarily
with the relationships among the civilian and national security
portions of the national space program; its policy guidance with
respect to the national security aspects of the effort were highly
classified. The review was carried out under the auspices of the
National Security Council, and established a National Security
Council Policy Review Committee chaired by the Director of the
White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, Frank Press,
as the mechanism for space policy formulation. Available in NASA
Historical Reference Collection, History Office, NASA Headquarters,
Washington, DC. Page references to original document in brackets.]

May 11, 1978

Presidential Directive/NSC-37

SUBJECT: National Space Policy (U)

This directive establishes national policies which shall guide
the conduct of United States activities in and related to the
space programs and activities discussed below. The objectives
of these policies are (1) to advance the interests of the United
States through the exploration and use of space and (2) to cooperate
with other nations in maintaining the freedom of space for all
activities which enhance the security and welfare of mankind.

1. The United States space program shall be conducted in accordance
with the following basic principles. (U)

[2] a. [paragraph deleted during declassification review]

b. The exploration and use of outer space in support of the national
well-being and policies of the United States. (U)

c. Rejection of any claims to sovereignty over outer space or
over celestial bodies, or any portion thereof, and rejection of
any limitations on the fundamental right to acquire data from
space. (U)

d. The space systems of any nation are national property and have
the right of passage through and operations in space without interference.
Purposeful interference with operational space systems shall be
viewed as an infringement upon sovereign rights. (U)

e. The United States will pursue Activities in space in support
of its right of self-defense. (U)

f. [paragraph deleted during declassification review]

g. The United States will pursue space activities to increase
scientific knowledge, develop useful civil applications of space
technology, and maintain United States leadership in space. (U)

h. The United States will conduct international cooperative space-related
activities that are beneficial to the United States scientifically,
politically, economically, and/or militarily. (U)

i. [paragraph deleted during declassification review]

j. [paragraph deleted during declassification review]

[3] k. Close coordination, cooperation, and information exchange
will be maintained among the space sectors to avoid unnecessary
duplication and to allow maximum cross-utilization, in compliance
with security and policy guidance, of all capabilities. (U)

2. [remainder of page deleted during declassification review]

[4] 3. [paragraph deleted during declassification review]

4. The United States shall conduct civil space programs to increase
the body of scientific knowledge about the earth and the universe;
to develop and operate civil applications of space technology;
to maintain United States leadership in space science, applications,
and technology; and to further United States domestic and foreign
policy objectives. The following policies shall govern the conduct
of the civil space program. (U)

a. The United States shall encourage domestic commercial exploitation
of space capabilities and systems for economic benefit and to
promote the technological position of the United States, except
that all United States earth-oriented remote sensing satellites
will require United States Government authorization and supervision
of regulation. (U)

b. [paragraph deleted during declassification review]

c. Data and results from the civil space programs will be provided
the widest practical dissemination, except where specific exceptions
defined by legislation, Executive Order, or directive apply. (U)

d. [paragraph deleted during declassification review]

[5] e. [paragraph deleted during declassification review]

f. [paragraph deleted during declassification review]

5. The NSC Policy Review Committee shall meet when appropriate
to provide a forum to all federal agencies for their policy views;
to review and advise on proposed changes to national space policy;
to resolve issues referred to the Committee; and to provide for
orderly and rapid referral of open issues to the President for
decision as necessary. The PRC will meet at the call of the Chairman
for these purposes, and when so convened, will be chaired by the
Director, Office of Science and Technology Policy. (U)